How to bid on Southwest Pass Maintenance Dredging (OM26276) for the Dept of the Army

What the Army Corps of Engineers is buying

The Department of the Army is seeking a fully crewed and equipped cutterhead dredge. The dredge must have a discharge pipe with an inside diameter of 30 inches or greater. This work involves maintenance dredging in the Mississippi River Southwest Pass area, and potentially other locations within the New Orleans District.

This project is estimated to be valued between $10 million and $25 million. This is a significant opportunity for construction firms specializing in dredging services.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on April 16, 2026. The deadline for responses is April 15, 2028, at 11:30 AM ET. The exact bid opening date will be announced later through an amendment to the solicitation.

It is crucial to submit your response before the deadline. Late submissions are generally not accepted for government contracts.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is best suited for construction firms with expertise in dredging, specifically those operating cutterhead dredges. The requirement for a 30-inch or greater discharge pipe indicates a need for substantial equipment and capability.

Vendors should be experienced in large-scale marine construction and maintenance projects, particularly within river systems like the Mississippi River. This is a construction category solicitation.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to view the original source on the government portal. If the first click takes you to the homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need a free account to view all documents, though some bids allow public access without an account. All offerers must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for a contract award. You are also encouraged to register as an Interested Vendor on SAM.gov for marketing purposes.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Ensure your firm's SAM registration is active and up-to-date well before the submission deadline. Any discrepancies or expired registrations can prevent your bid from being considered.

Carefully review all solicitation documents once they are available. Pay close attention to the technical specifications for the dredge and attendant plant, as well as any specific crew requirements. Clearly demonstrate how your equipment and personnel meet or exceed these requirements.

Given the project's estimated value, prepare a detailed cost proposal that is both competitive and realistic. Account for all potential operational costs, including fuel, maintenance, and personnel, for the duration of the project.